Japan Awaits

Immerse yourself in the magical world of the Yokote Kamakura Snow Hut Festival with our exclusive 2-day, 1-night tour! This enchanting festival, held for over 450 years, transforms the snow-covered city of Yokote into a winter wonderland, with hundreds of snow huts (kamakura) glowing with candlelight. Guided by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, you’ll explore the festival’s rich traditions, enjoy local specialties like mochi and amazake, and witness the captivating Bonden Ceremony, where elaborately decorated poles are paraded through the streets in a centuries-old spiritual ritual. With expertly arranged accommodations and front-row access to the festival’s highlights, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and winter charm—an unforgettable experience in the heart of Japan’s snowy landscapes.

Celebrated for over 450 years, the Yokote Kamakura Snow Hut Festival transforms the snow-covered city of Yokote in Akita Prefecture into a glowing winter wonderland. This ancient festival was originally created to honor a Shinto water deity, with locals building kamakura—snow huts that serve as altars for offerings, where they would pray for water, a bountiful harvest, and the well-being of the community.

Today, the festival continues its deep-rooted traditions while offering visitors a mesmerizing experience. As night falls, more than 100 large kamakura are illuminated from within, casting a warm, flickering glow across the city. Visitors are warmly welcomed into these snow huts by local children, where they can enjoy freshly grilled mochi and sip on warm amazake, all while offering prayers at the altar for blessings of water and prosperity. Due to its popularity and the limited accommodations in this charming town, the festival sees extremely high demand, making early booking essential for those wishing to experience this unforgettable event.

Festival Schedule

February 15 & 16

Kamakura Snow Huts (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

• Venue in front of Yokote City Hall Main Building
• Former Katano Residence
• Yokote Park Venue
• Futaba-cho

Mini Kamakura Snow Huts (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

• Janosaki River Bed (3,500 mini kamakura snow huts)
• Yokote Minami Elementary School (Mini kamakura built by children)

Snow Art (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

• Komyoji Park and throughout the city (Snow sculptures created by local associations)

February 16

Bonden Figure Competition (9:30 AM to 12:00 PM)

• In front of Yokote City Hall Main Building

February 17

Asahi Okayama Shrine Bonden Figure Offering Festival (Morning)

• A traditional ceremony where bonden (wooden poles) are offered at the shrine, symbolizing prayers for safety, prosperity, and a bountiful harvest.

Tour Options

Option 1: February 15-16

Day 1 (February 15): Arrival and Guided Tour of Yokote

• 4:00 PM – Hotel Check-in and Meet Your Guide
  Arrive at your hotel in Yokote, check in, and meet your English-speaking guide. Your guide will provide an overview of the Yokote Kamakura Festival and offer tailored recommendations for your visit.

• 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM – Guided Tour of Yokote
  Take a 3-hour guided tour to explore the highlights of Yokote City and the Kamakura Festival. Your guide will introduce you to the kamakura snow huts, explaining their cultural significance, construction methods, and the various locations where they will be illuminated in the evening. You’ll visit iconic spots like Yokote City Hall, Former Katano Residence, Yokote Park, as well as mini kamakura at Janosaki River Bed and Yokote Minami Elementary School.

• 7:30 PM – Explore the Festival on Your Own
  After the tour, continue to explore independently. With a map and your guide’s suggestions, wander through the festival’s snow-lit paths, visit kamakura, taste local treats like mochi and amazake, and experience the warmth of the community.

Day 2 (February 16): Free Exploration of the Kamakura Festival

• Breakfast at the Hotel
  Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore more of the festival.

• Full Day of Free Exploration
  On Day 2, enjoy a full day of free exploration. With your guide’s recommendations, you can visit additional kamakura sites or discover hidden gems in the festival. Immerse yourself in local activities and take your time enjoying the festivities.

• 11:00 AM – Hotel Checkout
  After breakfast, check out of your hotel. Feel free to continue exploring Yokote or relax based on your interests.

Option 2: February 16-17

Day 1 (February 16): Arrival and Guided Tour of Yokote

• 4:00 PM – Hotel Check-in and Meet Your Guide
  Upon arrival at your hotel in Yokote, check in and meet your English-speaking guide. Your guide will assist with check-in and luggage storage, as well as provide an introduction to the Yokote Kamakura Festival and your personalized itinerary.

• 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM – Guided Tour of Yokote
  During a 3-hour tour, your guide will explain the cultural significance and tradition of the kamakura snow huts. You’ll visit key locations like Yokote City Hall, Former Katano Residence, Yokote Park, and the mini kamakura at Janosaki River Bed and Yokote Minami Elementary School. Your guide will also introduce the Bonden Ceremony on February 17, explaining its cultural importance to help you prepare for the event.

• 7:30 PM – Explore the Festival on Your Own
  After the guided tour, continue to explore the festival at your own pace. Your guide will provide a map and recommendations. Enjoy the illuminated kamakura, interact with locals, and savor traditional festival foods like mochi and amazake.

Day 2 (February 17): Free Exploration and Bonden Ceremony

• Breakfast at the Hotel
  Begin your morning with breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore more of the festival.

• Asahiokayama Shrine Bonden Ceremony
  Participate in the Asahiokayama Shrine Bonden Ceremony in the morning. Watch the procession of young men carrying five-meter-tall wooden poles (bonden) through the town to offer to the gods at the shrine. This centuries-old tradition symbolizes prayers for safety, prosperity, and a bountiful harvest.

• 11:00 AM – Hotel Checkout
  After checking out, feel free to continue exploring the festival. Revisit the kamakura sites, enjoy local food stalls, admire snow sculptures, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the Yokote Snow Festival.

Pricing

• ¥66,000 per person (For 1 person only)
• ¥33,000 per person (For groups of 2 people or more)

Inclusions

• Overnight accommodation in Yokote City
• Breakfast at the hotel
• English-speaking tour guide on the first day
• Service fees and taxes

Exclusions

• Gratuities (optional)
• Drinks and additional meals
• Minibar, laundry, and other onsite services
  Other activities during free time

Accommodation

Since Yokote is a charming, small town, accommodation options are limited and in high demand during the festival. We partner with comfortable 3-star hotels that offer standard rooms—simple, clean, and cozy, providing a relaxing retreat after a day at the festival. Due to the high demand during this special time, we carefully secure these rooms well in advance to ensure our guests enjoy a comfortable stay amidst the festivities.

Attire

The Yokote Kamakura Snow Hut Festival takes place during winter, when temperatures often drop to around -3°C (26°F) or lower, especially in the evening. Please dress warmly and appropriately for these cold conditions. We recommend wearing insulated clothing, thermal layers, a heavy winter coat, a hat, gloves, and warm boots. In such cold weather, heat packs and scarves can also be helpful. The tour operates in all weather conditions (except in the event of a typhoon or other extreme circumstances). If needed, the itinerary may be slightly adjusted to accommodate weather changes.

Non-Smoking

While most places we visit may be non-smoking establishments, there are some places along the way that may allow smoking in designated areas. Please take note of this for guests who are sensitive to smoke.

Age Requirement

A booking must be made for each person. Adult pricing applies to guests age 5+.

Requirement

To secure your accommodations, please provide the full names and birth dates of all guests.
A valid passport is essential for travel and must be presented on the day of your departure.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Cancellation Policy

Strict Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 45 days or less before the event

How far in advance should I book?

Due to high demand and limited room availability during the festival, we highly recommend booking your tour at least 1 month in advance to secure accommodations and ensure your spot. Rooms fill up quickly, so early booking is essential to guarantee your place during this special time.

Looking for a tour in a different city?

Japan Awaits is a licensed tour operator in Japan, with hundreds of registered and vetted tour guides nationwide. We offer tours in any location in Japan and manage all details, including transportation and tickets. Contact us and inquire about a custom experience today.